Are you considering going green by installing solar panels in your home? Making the switch to residential solar panel installation is a big decision. However, it’s one that more and more homeowners are making daily.
Solar power can provide many benefits for your home, such as reducing energy bills and helping the environment. But there are also some drawbacks to installing solar panels on your roof. This blog post will look at the pros and cons of residential solar panel installation.
Let’s start with the pros.
It Reduces Your Electric Bill
One of the main benefits of solar panel installation is that it reduces your electric bill. This is because you are tapping into a renewable energy source that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels. Not only does this help reduce your carbon footprint, but it also helps to stabilize your electricity costs in the long run.
In some cases, you may even be able to go completely off the grid by installing a solar panel system. This can be a great option for people who live in remote areas or want more control over their energy consumption.
You Can Get Financial Support From the Government
When installing solar panels, it’s easy to get financial support from the government. The Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit offers a tax credit of up to 22% of the total cost of your system.
This incentive is available for both homeowners and renters. It also applies to both grid-tied and off-grid systems.
There are also some state and local incentives that can help offset the cost of installation. Solar panels are a great way to go green and save money on your energy bills. Contact a solar installation near you to learn more about the incentives available in your area.
It’s Environmentally Friendly
Solar panels are environmentally friendly. And unlike traditional forms of energy, such as coal and natural gas, solar panels don’t produce any harmful emissions. This is good news for the environment and helps to reduce your household’s carbon footprint.
Solar panels also have a tiny physical footprint. Once installed on your roof, they take up very little space and have minimal impact on your property. This contrasts with other forms of renewable energy, such as wind turbines, which can be quite large and intrusive.
Long-Lasting and Requires Minimal Maintenance
The average solar panel has a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years. Once installed, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your energy source will be taken care of for decades.
Solar panels also require very little maintenance. In most cases, all you need to do is keep them clean and free of debris. While the initial cost of solar panel installation can be high, the long-term savings and lack of maintenance costs make solar an appealing option for many homeowners.
Cons of Solar Energy
Installing solar panels is a great way to go green and reduce your household’s carbon footprint. However, there are some drawbacks to consider before you make the switch. These drawbacks include:
The Initial Cost of Installation Can Be High
Solar panels can be expensive to install, with the average installation cost around $17,000. This upfront cost can be a deterrent for many homeowners considering solar. However, several financing options are available that can make solar more affordable.
These financing options include:
Solar Leases
A solar lease is a contract where you agree to rent solar panels from a company for a set monthly price. This option can be attractive to homeowners who don’t want to bear the initial installation cost.
Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
With a PPA, you agree to purchase the electricity generated by a solar panel system from a company at a set price. This option can be less expensive than buying and installing your own solar panels.
Home Equity Loans
A home equity loan is a loan taken out against the value of your home. You can use this option to finance the cost of solar installation.
Solar May Not Be Available in Your Area
Solar panels need direct sunlight to work efficiently and generate power. If you live in an area that does not get much sun, or if your roof is shaded by trees or another building, solar panels may not be the best option for you. Using other energy sources like wind turbines, you can still save energy and money.
Inability to Relocate With Your Panels
If you’re someone who likes to move around a lot or might want to sell your home in the future, solar panels can be quite a hindrance. Solar panels are generally installed on the roof of a home. Hence, it can be quite difficult and costly to remove and reinstall them at a new location.
If you decide to sell your home, you will have to bring the solar panels with you, or the buyer will have to assume ownership of them and be responsible for their maintenance. Alternatively, you could try to find a buyer interested in purchasing your home with installed solar panels.
Solar Panels Installation Restrictions
There are also some restrictions on where you can install solar panels. If you live in an HOA, the community’s rules may restrict your ability to install solar panels. In some cases, you might need to get permission from your local government or utility company.
And if your home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you’ll need approval from the National Park Service before installing solar panels.
Thinking About Going Green? Consider Residential Solar Panel Installation
Going green is a great way to help the environment, and solar is one of the most popular green energy sources. If you’re considering making the switch to solar, carefully weigh the pros and cons.
Solar panels can be a great way to save money, but they’re not right for everyone. Talk to a solar energy expert to find out if solar is the right energy source for your home.
For more smart homeowner tips, check out other posts about solar here on our website.
Featured Image – Going Green! – Adobe Stock royalty-free image #77307698, ‘Go green!’ uploaded by Robert Kneschke, a standard license purchased from https://stock.adobe.com/images/download/77307698; file retrieved on November 26th, 2018. License details are available at https://stock.adobe.com/license-terms – image is licensed under the Adobe Stock Standard License
